Bible Reading – Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Devotion
This week we will examine this text from the book of Acts that gives us a glimpse into the life of the early church. Here we will see how important community was in the lives of the early believers. You will notice that the word “they” is used several times in this passage. You will also notice the words “everyone” and “all the believers.” It is abundantly clear from this text that the early church operated as a family. Community was vital in the health and growth of the early church.
This passage begins with the words, “They devoted themselves…” The early church was committed to four things: the Apostle’s teaching, the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and to prayer. This week we will look at these four distinctives and see how they apply to the church today. The focus this week is the method in which God works through the community of believers.
The Big Question
What does it mean to be devoted to someone or something? Do you struggle in making commitments? What does devotion look like in your family relationships? What does devotion look like in your work relationships? What does devotion look like in your church family? What stands out to you in Acts 2:42-47? What part of this passage is most meaningful to you and why?
Spend some time in prayer meditating on what God revealed to you today.